Attachment Anxiety Research Articles

Does Attachment Security Matter? A Study of Caregivers’ Reactions to a Child’s Coming out

Disclosing a diverse sexual orientation to caregivers can be a stressful and transformative experience for individuals and families. In this retrospective study, attachment theory is applied to caregivers’ recollection of their children’s disclosure of a diverse sexual orientation, testing the hypothesis that caregivers’ attachment anxiety would significantly predict more negative self-reported reactions to coming out. Caregivers of sexually diverse people (n = 154) completed a survey with measures of self-reported reactions to their child’s coming out, attachment anxiety and avoidance, attitudes toward lesbian women and gay men, conservatism, family functioning and strength of religious faith. Attachment anxiety, but not avoidance, significantly predicted caregivers’ reactions, however this relationship was not significant when covariates were added to the model. Exploratory analyses using t-tests were conducted to examine differences in study variables among LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ caregivers, and caregivers of cisgender and gender diverse children. The results support previous research, indicating that caregiver’s attitudes and religiosity are predictive of caregivers’ reactions to their children coming out and provide preliminary evidence of differential responses to coming out by caregivers’ LGBTQ+ identity.

Attachment and perceptual accuracy of hard and flat partner emotions in everyday life

AbstractPerceiving partner emotions accurately is relevant for relationship functioning and may relate to perceivers’ attachment orientations. Here we tested whether attachment anxiety and avoidance affect the perception of a hard and a flat partner emotion which can signal a relationship threat, that is, irritation and indifference towards the partner, and of general affective valence. We assessed whether individuals (1) over‐ or underestimate (directional bias) and (2) track changes (tracking accuracy) in their partner's emotions. Ninety‐four couples reported on their own emotions and their perception of their partner's emotions multiple times per day during 1 week. Results revealed that more avoidantly attached men less accurately tracked changes in partner irritation and more anxiously attached men less accurately tracked changes in partner affective valence. No other significant associations of attachment with tracking accuracy nor with directional bias were found. Overall, the findings suggest no robust relation between attachment insecurity and perception of partner irritation, indifference and affective valence in everyday life.

Examining the relationship between object relations, relationship attachment and separation anxiety in adults with depressive tendencies

Aims: This study aims to examine the relationship between object relations and relationship dependence and separation anxiety in depressive-prone adults.
 Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 404 people between the ages of 18-60. Out of 404 people, 113 people with moderate to severe depressive tendencies were included in the study. Data were collected from the participants through Beck Depression Inventory, Bell Object Relationships and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI), Spann-Fischer Relationship Dependency Scale (SFIDS), Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire and Socio-demographic Information Form prepared by the researcher.
 Results: 113 out of 404 individuals showed moderate to severe depressive tendencies. A statistically positive and significant relationship was found between adult separation anxiety and Object Relations and BORTTI (alienation, insecure attachment, egocentrism, distortion of reality, uncertainty of perceptions, delusion hallucination) sub-dimensions. A positive and significant relationship was found between Relationship Dependency and Object Relationships and BORTTI (insecure attachment, 
 egocentrism, social inadequacy) sub-dimensions. 
 Conclusion: A positive and significant relationship was found between object relations sub-dimensions and adult separation anxiety in depressive adults. A positive and significant relationship was found between object relations and relationship dependence in depressive adults.

Predictors of compulsive cyberporn use: A machine learning analysis

IntroductionCompulsive cyberporn use (CCU) has previously been reported among people who use cyberporn. However, most of the previous studies included convenience samples of students or samples of the general adult population. Research examining the factors that predict or are associated with CCU are still scarce.In this study, we aimed to (a) assess compulsive cyberporn consumption in a broad sample of people who had used cyberporn and (b) determine, among a diverse range of predictor variables, which are most important in CCU scores, as assessed with the eight-item Compulsive Internet Use Scale adapted for cyberporn. Materials and MethodsOverall, 1584 adult English speakers (age: 18–75 years, M = 33.18; sex: 63.1 % male, 35.2 % female, 1.7 % nonbinary) who used cyberporn during the last 6 months responded to an online questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic, sexual, psychological, and psychosocial variables. Their responses were subjected to correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and machine learning analysis. ResultsAmong the participants, 21.96% (in the higher quartile) presented CCU symptoms in accordance with their CCU scores. The five most important predictors of CCU scores were related to the users’ strength of craving for pornography experiences, suppression of negative emotions porn use motive, frequency of cyberporn use over the past year, acceptance of rape myths, and anxious attachment style. ConclusionsFrom a large and diverse pool of variables, we determined the most important predictors of CCU scores. The findings contribute to a better understanding of problematic pornography use and could enrich compulsive cyberporn treatment and prevention.

Ninety years after Lewin: The role of familism and attachment style in social networks characteristics across 21 nations/areas

Drawing on the literature on person-culture fit, we investigated how culture (assessed as national-level familism), personality (tapped by attachment styles) and their interactions predicted social network characteristics in 21 nations/areas ( N = 2977). Multilevel mixed modeling showed that familism predicted smaller network size but greater density, tie strength, and multiplexity. Attachment avoidance predicted smaller network size, and lower density, tie strength, and multiplexity. Attachment anxiety was related to lower density and tie strength. Familism enhanced avoidance’s association with network size and reduced its association with density, tie strength, and multiplexity. Familism also enhanced anxiety’s association with network size, tie strength, and multiplexity. These findings contribute to theory building on attachment and culture, highlight the significance of culture by personality interaction for the understanding of social networks, and call attention to the importance of sampling multiple countries.

The revised Psychosis Attachment Measure: further psychometric evidence

PurposeDisorganised attachment is a key concept in understanding the development of psychosis. However, existing questionnaires of adult attachment do not adequately measure this construct hindering future research into the psychosocial causes of psychosis. The most widely measure of adult attachment in people experiencing psychosis is the Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM). The measure has recently been revised to include disorganised attachment items. This study develops previous research by providing a rigorous examination the psychometric properties of the revised questionnaire (PAM-R).MethodsA total of 407 participants with self-reported experiences of psychosis completed a battery of questionnaires which included the PAM-R and other measures which were conceptually related to the concept of disorganised attachment.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated a three-factor solution with factors corresponding to anxious, avoidant, and disorganised attachment. The majority of the fit statistics were acceptable with the exception of the RMSEA statistic. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were good for all subscales. The disorganised subscale correlated in expected directions with other measures of attachment, dissociation, trauma, and psychotic experiences.ConclusionThe PAM-R is a valid and reliable measure of adult attachment. It is a practical assessment tool for clinicians and researchers to measure insecure and disorganised attachment patterns that is acceptable to people experiencing psychosis.

Insecure Attachment and Depressive Symptoms among a Large Sample of Chinese Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Self-Compassion.

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between insecure attachment (attachment anxiety and avoidance) and depressive symptoms in Chinese young adults as well as the mediating roles of positive and negative self-compassion. An online survey was administered among college students in mainland China. This involved their completion of questionnaires encompassing socio-demographic details, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms. Attachment anxiety and avoidance exhibited connections with depressive symptoms through increased negative self-compassion and decreased positive self-compassion. Attachment anxiety was associated with depressive symptoms primarily through the mediating effect of negative self-compassion. Conversely, attachment avoidance was related to depressive symptoms mainly through the mediating role of positive self-compassion. Attachment anxiety exerted a slightly stronger influence on negative self-compassion, whereas attachment avoidance exhibited a more prominent impact on positive self-compassion. Despite these differences, both attachment styles were comparable in their overall influence on depressive symptoms. This revelation provides fresh insights into the relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms among young adults, underscoring the importance for intervention program development.

The Long-Term Effects of Avoidant and Anxious Attachment Styles in Infancy on Personality Development and Future Relationships

The intricate tapestry of human relational dynamics, embedded within the foundational attachment styles established during infancy, remains a focal point in developmental psychology. The legacy of John Bowlby's attachment theory, coupled with Mary Ainsworth's seminal classifications, has posited potential lifelong ramifications of early attachment styles, particularly avoidant and anxious ones, on personality maturation and subsequent interpersonal relationships. This paper endeavors to unravel the enduring influences of these early attachment styles, spotlighting their trajectory from infancy to adulthood and their pervasive impacts on the psyche and relational dynamics. In sum, the exploration of avoidant and anxious attachment styles rooted in infancy provides a window into the enduring influence these early experiences have on one's developmental journey, from personality formation to the intricacies of future relationships. It is through understanding and addressing these foundational attachment dynamics that can aspire to cultivate a society characterized by healthier relational bonds and psychological well-being.

Attachment Styles and Their Relationship to Future Anxiety Among Mothers of Children with Chronic Diseases

The study aimed to assess the level of future anxiety and the most common attachment patterns among mothers of children with chronic diseases, as well as to assess the relationship between them . It also aimed to determine any statistically significant differences in the level of future anxiety and attachment patterns depending on the variables of the mother’s educational level, the mother’s age, the type of disease, and the duration of diagnosis. The study sample consisted of (145) mothers who were under the care of the Islamic Center Society in Irbid Governorate, Jordan, during 2023. They were selected using the available method, and both the future anxiety scale and the attachment styles scale were used. The results of the study showed that the level of anxiety about the future among the mothers studied was high, and that the most common attachment style was the anxious attachment style, followed by avoidant attachment, followed by secure attachment. The results of the study also showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the secure attachment style and anxiety about the future, and the existence of a positive relationship. Statistically significant between both the anxious attachment style and the avoidant attachment style. The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences attributed to the effect of the mother’s educational level, the duration of diagnosis and the mother’s age, and the presence of statistically significant differences attributed to the effect of the type of illness on the measure of future anxiety. The results also showed that there were no differences. Statistically significant due to the effect of the mother’s educational level, type of illness, and duration of diagnosis in all attachment styles, and the presence of statistically significant differences due to the effect of the mother’s age. KEYWORDS secure attachment, insecure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, anxiety, chronic childhood diseases

Generation time-out grows up: young adults' reports about childhood time-out use and their mental health, attachment, and emotion regulation.

Time-out (TO) is a widely utilised parental discipline technique with a strong evidence-base that nonetheless has attracted controversy regarding potential adverse effects on mental health in developing children. Associations between TO implementation and mental health outcomes have rarely been investigated, especially through the eyes of children who grew up experiencing TO. This study recruited 407 university students (Study 1) and a community sample of 535 young adults (Study 2); both samples aged 18-30 years. Young adults were surveyed on their retrospective reports of childhood TO experience, childhood experiences of adversity, perceived parenting style and parental attachment, and their current mental health outcomes (attachment style, emotion regulation and mental health). In Study 1, 334 (82.1%) young adults reported experiencing TO in childhood, but with widely varied implementation that differed considerably from its evidence-based ideal. Reports of more TO appropriate implementation were associated with less avoidant attachment, better mental health, and emotion regulation, over and above the effects associated with authoritative parenting and secure attachment in childhood. While exposure to childhood adversity was associated with poorer adulthood outcomes, TO implementation did not moderate the association. Study 2 replicated most findings from Study 1, except that appropriate TO implementation displayed a positive association with mental health and no associations with anxious and avoidant attachment and emotion regulation. These findings suggest the safety of TO use with young children, including those who experienced childhood adversity, and highlight the importance of disseminating sufficient parenting information on TO in the community.

Testing relational turbulence theory in daily life using dynamic structural equation modeling

Abstract Using dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM; Asparouhov et al., 2018), this study tests how partner disruptions of daily routines create a chaotic relational state through intensified emotions directed at partners, as posited by relational turbulence theory (RTT; Solomon et al., 2016). To test this affective process, individuals in dating relationships (N = 130) completed daily surveys for 30 days (T = 30; 3,478 total observations), measuring that day’s interference from their partner, anger experienced while interacting with their partner, and their relational turbulence. DSEM accounted for the intensive longitudinal aspects of the data while modeling three types of person-specific random effects: random intercepts to account for subject-specific averages; random slopes to account for subject-specific effects; and random variances to account for subject-specific volatility. RTT processes were supported, as greater than typical interference of routines in daily life predicted more relational turbulence that day via increased daily anger (controlling for the previous day’s levels). The use of DSEM allowed us to further test RTT by modeling person-specific inertia and volatility (for levels of interference, anger, and relational turbulence throughout a month). The use of a multilevel “location-scale” DSEM with random intercepts and random variances revealed that attachment avoidance and anxiety predicted a variety of person-specific features of the studied longitudinal processes: averages, inertia, and volatility over time. We provide our data and a supplemental primer to illustrate how to test communication theory with DSEM and model the intensive dynamics of daily life.

High Heart Rate Variability Buffers the Effect of Attachment Insecurity on Sleep Quality.

Sleep quality is an important health-protective factor. Psychosocial factors, including attachment orientation, may be valuable for understanding who is at risk of poor sleep quality and associated adverse health outcomes. High attachment anxiety is reliably associated with adverse health outcomes, whereas high attachment avoidance is associated with adverse health outcomes when co-occurring with poor self-regulatory capacity, indexed by heart rate variability (HRV). We examined the associations between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, HRV, and sleep quality. Using longitudinal data from a sample of 171 older adults measured four times over 1 year ( M = 66.18 years old; 67.83% women), we separated the between-person variance (which we call "trait") and within-person variance (which we call "state") for attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and HRV (via the root mean square of successive differences). Sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Higher trait attachment anxiety was associated with poorer global sleep quality ( B = 0.22, p = .005). Higher state attachment avoidance was associated with poorer sleep quality ( B = -0.13, p = .01), except for those with higher trait HRV. Higher state attachment anxiety was associated with poorer sleep quality ( B = -0.15, p = .002), except for those with higher or mean trait HRV. Higher trait attachment anxiety was associated with poorer sleep quality ( B = -0.31, p = .02), except for those with higher trait HRV. High trait HRV mitigated the adverse effects of attachment insecurity on sleep quality. Our results suggest that people with high trait HRV had greater self-regulation capacity, which may enable them to enact emotion regulation strategies effectively.

Attachment Orientations: Associations with Romantic Partners’ Self-Regulation and Dyadic Coping

The ability to effectively cope with stress is impacted by early relationship experiences and, thus, is related to attachment security. We examined how different forms of attachment insecurity (namely, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) impact romantic partners’ capacity for coping with stress individually (via self-regulation) and together (via dyadic coping) in a community sample of 261 heterosexual couples. We also explored links between these coping strategies and measures of well-being. Multiple regression analyses in this cross-sectional, self-report study indicated that attachment avoidance, but not anxiety, was linked to less effective dyadic coping. In men, this was also the case for partner’s attachment avoidance. Attachment anxiety, but not avoidance, was related to self-regulation problems for women, while in men, both facets of attachment insecurity were negatively associated with self-regulation. Individual and dyadic coping strategies each uniquely contributed to individuals’ well-being and satisfaction with life. Relationship interventions and counseling processes might benefit from sensitizing clients for biographical influences on their coping strategies.

IPVAW male perpetrators convicted in Spain: a typology and characterization based on latent class analysis.

Men who assault their partners present deficits in the social skills necessary for adequate interpersonal interaction. Not all of them have the same difficulties, thus they do not constitute a homogeneous group. Various studies have proposed different typologies of abusers based on their sociodemographic characteristics, criminal history, intensity and extent of violent or psychopathological traits. The majority of these investigations have been conducted in community samples, prompting the question of their validity in samples of men convicted of gender violence. The aim of this study was to establish a typology of men convicted in Spain for a gender violences crimes. A total of 365 men participated and were subdivided into three classes of abusers based on their childhood, family experiences with violence, criminal history, sexist attitudes and attitudes toward violence, intensity and type of violence, psychopathological state and attachment style. Coinciding with the results found in other research, 30% of the participants were classified as generally violent. They engaged in severe forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence and were more likely to do so than the rest. Additionally, they are more likely to present psychopathological problems and an antisocial character. Twenty-one percent were classified as dysphoric/borderline. They are characterized by minor forms of psychological violence, borderline or depressive symptomatology and an anxious attachment style. The remaining 49% were classified as familial or normalized abusers. This group exhibits moderate attitudes toward violence and sexism, resulting in less psychological and physical aggression. They do not present psychopathological problems and are likely to present a secure attachment style. It is argued that determining the psychological characteristics of each type of abuser would contribute to improving and adapting intervention protocols in Spain, leading to a significant improvement in the current issue of abuse.

(096) Attachment Orientation Moderates the Sexual and Relational Implications of Sexual Desire Discrepancies

Abstract Introduction Discrepancies in partners’ levels of sexual desire (SDD) are common in long-term relationships and can be experienced as distressing. Because sexual compatibility is a strong prescriptive among Western couples, it is relevant to examine the sexual and relational implications of SDD in relationships that are marked by cultural restrictions and gender stereotypic norms. Objective We examined discrepancies in sexual desire between partners and assessed how such discrepancy relates to sexual and relational functioning, taking into account both partners’ attachment orientation Methods 100 couples of which more than half experienced sexual problems completed an Arabic version of questionnaires on sexual desire, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction and attachment orientation. Results Men and women reported better sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and relational satisfaction when they matched on higher levels compared to lower levels of sexual desire. In case there was a mismatch between partners, women reported higher sexual satisfaction when their partner’s level of sexual desire was higher than their own desire. Attachment orientation was found to moderate the associations between the degree and direction of SDD and the outcome variables. Male attachment avoidance moderated the association between SDD and both male and female sexual function. Male attachment anxiety moderated only the association with female sexual function, indicating that women with high anxious partners reported better sexual function when their partner’s level of desire was higher than their own desire. In addition, the female attachment dimensions moderated the association between SDD and female satisfaction outcomes, with attachment anxiety moderating the association with sexual satisfaction and attachment avoidance moderating the association with relational satisfaction. Conclusions We showed the importance of considering both the level and direction of SDD and the partners’ attachment history to understand its sexual and relational implications. Therapeutic interventions should be directed at understanding the attachment meaning of sexual desire, facilitators and barriers of sexual desire across time and context, and the reasons why some couples cope better with SDD than others. Disclosure No.

Parental attachment and subjective well-being in vocational college students: mediating roles for resilience and self-esteem

This study examined the mediating role of resilience and self-esteem in the relationship between parental attachment and subjective well-being of young adults. Utilising a cross-sectional design, the study sampled 964 students from five higher vocational colleges in Beijing (female = 61.0%; freshman = 75.6%; age range = 15 to 24 years, mean age 18.78 ± 1.017). The students completed a survey package including the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Resilient Trait Scale for Chinese Adults, and Subjective Happiness Scale. The results from structural equation modelling showed that secure attachment was associated with the subjective well-being of vocational college students, in contrast to insecure attachment which was associated with lower subjective well-being. Moreover, the results revealed that resilience and self-esteem were significant mediators between the two types of insecure parental attachment (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and subjective well-being. Furthermore, resilience and self-esteem had a chain mediation effect between insecure attachment and subjective well-being. These findings suggest that resilience and self-esteem are important in how parental attachment histories translate to subjective well-being at young adulthood. Interventions to remedy attachment histories and subjective well-being in young adults should seek to augment their resilience and self-esteem.

Insecure attachment and support-seeking during COVID-19: a sequential mixed methods investigation

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic led many couples to stay at home together with minimal contact with others. As social distancing measures reduced contact with outside households, many partners could seek support only from one another. In two studies using a sequential mixed methods design, we investigated support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships during COVID-19. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews (n = 48) showed differences in how and why partners seek support with an initial consideration of the role of attachment. We identified the following themes: direct support-seeking, indirect support-seeking, (in)dependence, and gender dynamics. In the quantitative study (n = 588), high COVID-19 worry, high attachment anxiety, and low attachment avoidance were associated with more support-seeking. Interestingly, we also found that when COVID-19 worry was high, individuals high in attachment avoidance were more likely to report seeking support. The paper provides a unique insight into the impact of COVID-19 on support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships.

A Review on Attachment Style and Gender Double Standard

Attachment relationships have a profound effect on individuals’ cognition and psychological well-being. The presence of parental gender double standards leads to differences in children’s coping strategies and self-perceptions. This paper will discuss the definition of the three main attachment styles in children and adults, then explain the scope of gender double standard. In addition, the reasons why and how parental double gender standard would lead the children to form anxious or avoidant attachment styles will be studied in this paper. In addition, this paper will discuss why and how societal gender double standard will solidify the insecure attachment style for females. Due to there are many factors that can affect the testing, for the study of this paper the author reviewed existing experiments and analysis to study the correlation between parental gender double standard and attachment style. This study also points out some additional testing possibilities for future further studies.

Identifying who benefits most from supportive versus expressive techniques in psychotherapy for depression: Moderators of within- versus between-individual effects.

A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) indicated that individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety exhibited better treatment outcomes in supportive-expressive therapy (SET) relative to supportive therapy (ST). But to gain insight into within-patient therapeutic changes, a within-individual design is required. The present study contrasts previous findings based on theory-driven between-patient moderators with data-driven moderators of within-patient processes to investigate whether findings converge or diverge across these two approaches. We used data of 118 patients from the pilot and active phases of a recent RCT for patients with major depressive disorder, comparing ST with SET, a time-limited psychodynamic therapy. The predefined primary outcome measure was the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Supportive versus expressive techniques were rated based on patients' end-of-session perspective. We compared previous findings based on moderators of between-patient effects with a data-driven approach for identifying moderators of within-patient effects of techniques on subsequent outcome. After false discovery rate corrections, of 10 preselected moderators, patients' attachment anxiety and domineering style remained significant. Of these, bootstrap resampling revealed significant differences between ST and SET techniques for the attachment anxiety moderator: Those with higher attachment anxiety benefited more from greater use of ST than SET techniques in a particular session, as evidenced by lower levels of symptoms at the subsequent session. Our within-individual findings diverge from previously published between-individual analyses. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the importance of complementing between-individuals with within-individual analyses to achieve better understanding of who benefits most from specific treatment techniques. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

How Attachment Styles Influence Emotional Regulation of Young Adults in Srilanka

This research is a cross-sectional quantitative study which investigates how attachment styles influence the emotional regulation of young adults in SriLanka. The aim of this research is to understand the impact of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on cognitive appraisal and emotional suppression. For this purpose, a survey research design was utilized and a sample size of 147 young adults selected though convenient sampling and they completed an online questionnaire on attachment style, and emotional regulation. The questionnaire was based on predeveloped 7-point Likert scales, The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale short version (ECR-SV) to measure attachment styles and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) to measure emotional regulation. This research found attachment anxiety and avoidance had a negative impact on using reappraisal while Attachment anxiety showed a greater negative impact on reappraisal. Also, it was found attachment anxiety and avoidance had a positive impact on using emotional suppression while avoidance showed a significant greater positive impact on suppression. However, the current research was not able to find out the impact of secure attachment on ER dimensions due to the questionnaire used, therefore future research should examine the impact of secure attachment on ER dimensions. A significant factor derived from the results is that, it’s important to design interventions that focus on improving ER in order to address difficulties with ER for those with attachment problems.